IP addresses are unique identification addresses to distinguish different computers as they communicate across the internet. IP addresses are made up of four numbers each ranging from 0 to 255. As with all other pieces of electronic information, on a machine level IP addresses are represented in binary strings made up of 0s and 1s. Binary representations are good for many things, but being easily readable by humans is not one. For that reason, IP addresses are represented with decimal numbers in order to increase rapid user comprehension and readability. Depending on certain software applications, the IP address must still be handled in binary, and for that reason being able to easily translate one into binary code is a skill every person interested in computers should master.